How to identify a boy or a girl in pregnancy

Michele Martinez

While a sonogram is accurate in determining the sex of a baby, you may want to find out if you're having a boy or girl before you get this test. There are several ways to determine whether you're carrying a boy or a girl that don't require a machine. While some of the methods are folklore, and may not be accurate, it's fun to try to determine the sex of your baby.

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Count the baby's heartbeat. If you don't have a baby heart monitor, ask your obstetrician what number she recorded at your last visit. Beats under 140 per minute indicate a boy. A higher heartbeat indicates a girl.

Look in the mirror. If your hair appears dull and your skin isn't clear, you may be carrying a girl. If your skin is radiant and your hair is shiny, you're probably carrying a boy.

Pay attention to your cravings. If you crave salty and sour foods, expect a boy. If you crave sweets, it may be a girl.

Notice when you get nauseous. If it's within the first 12 weeks, it's a girl. If you get sick later in the pregnancy, you're probably carrying a boy.

Look at the way you're carrying the baby. If your belly is high and wide, it's a girl. If your stomach is low and round, it's probably a boy.

Observe the movement in the womb. Boys tend to be more active in the womb than girls. Girls tend to move less, or less intensely, than boys.

Tip

Purchase neutral colours such as yellow and green if you want to shop for the baby before knowing whether it's a boy or a girl.

Warning

Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling can determine whether you are having a boy or a girl, but these procedures carry risks.

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About the Author

Based in central New York, Michele Martinez has been writing self-help articles since 2007. Her articles have appeared on eHow, Associated Content and Helium. She attended Mohawk Valley Community College and has over 20 years of experience in the areas of aviation, real estate, student loans and education.